Dental implants are changing the way people live. They are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything, knowing that teeth appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved. Patients with dental implants can smile with confidence.
The implants themselves are tiny titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. These metal anchors act as tooth root substitutes. The bone actually bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. Small posts that protrude through the gums are then attached to the implant. These posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth.
Implants also help preserve facial structure, preventing bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.
Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology, Drs. Butts, Benian, Johnson and Jabero are often able to place single stage implants. These implants do not require a second procedure to uncover them, but do require a minimum of six weeks of healing time before artificial teeth, or crowns, are placed. There are even situations where the implants can be placed at the same time as a tooth extraction – further minimizing the number of surgical procedures. Advances in dental implant technology have made it possible, in select cases, to extract teeth and place implants with crowns at one visit, this procedure is called “immediate loading” of the dental implant.
Implants are a team effort between your oral and maxillofacial surgeon and your restorative dentist. While Drs. Butts, Benian, Johnson or Jabero will perform the actual implant surgery, initial tooth extractions, and bone grafting if necessary, the restorative dentist fits and makes the permanent prosthesis. Your dentist will also make any temporary prosthesis needed during the implant process.
There are several reasons: Why sacrifice the structure of surrounding good teeth to bridge a space? In addition, removing a denture or a “partial” at night may be inconvenient, not to mention that dentures that slip can be uncomfortable and embarrassing.
If you are considering implants, your mouth must be examined thoroughly and your medical and dental history reviewed. If you mouth is not ideal for implants, ways of improving your outcome, such as bone grafting, may be recommended.
The majority of dental implants and bone graft can be performed in the office under local anesthesia, with or without the addition of a general anesthesia. This will be discussed in detail at your initial consultation.
Once the implants are in place, they will serve you well for many years if you take care of them and keep your mouth healthy. This means taking the time for good oral hygiene (brushing and flossing) and keeping regular appointments with your dental specialists.
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The surgical team at Oral & Facial Surgeons of Michigan consists of Dr. Thomas Butts, Dr. Richard Benian Dr. Bryan Johnson & Dr. Marvin Jabero
providing Oral Surgery & Cosmetic Procedures to patients in Waterford, Brighton, Hartland & Clarkston MI. Services Include:
Dental Implants, Wisdom Teeth Extraction, Treatment of Traumatic Facial Injuries, Jaw Surgery & BOTOX® Cosmetic
Address: 4250 Pontiac Lake Road • Suite B • Waterford, MI 48328 • Telephone: 248-674-0303 • Fax: 248-674-2947
Address: 9880 E. Grand River • Suite 150 • Brighton, MI 48116 • Telephone: 810-227-2626 • Fax: 810-227-8532
Address: 11525 Highland Road • Suite 11 • Hartland, MI 48353 • Telephone: 810-632-4545 • Fax: 810-632-9397